Dr. Antoinette Bonnie Candia-Bailey, an esteemed academic administrator with over 20 years of experience, tragically died by suicide on January 8, 2024. Her untimely death has garnered national attention, sparking a crucial conversation about the treatment of black women in academia. Dr. Candia-Bailey’s death has also led to calls for the dismissal of Lincoln University president, Dr. John Moseley.
Dr. Candia-Bailey’s academic journey was one of dedication and achievement. In 2001, she earned a master’s of arts in rehabilitation counseling-disability studies from Michigan State University. With her impressive qualifications, she returned to her alma mater, Lincoln University, on May 1, 2023, as the vice president of student affairs.
Prior to her tenure at Lincoln University, Dr. Candia-Bailey held several notable positions in academia. She served as the vice president of student affairs at Elms College in Chicopee, Massachusetts, where she also took on the roles of chief diversity officer and Title IX coordinator. Additionally, she held positions such as associate dean of students and senior project coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, assistant vice president of student affairs, housing, and residence life at Townson University, and director of academic excellence at North Carolina A&T State University.
However, Dr. Candia-Bailey’s time at Lincoln University came to a tragic end. On January 3, 2024, she received a letter of termination from the university. Just five days later, on January 8, she took her own life. It was revealed that she had sent an email to university president John Moseley on the day of her death, accusing him of harassment, bullying, and racial discrimination.
The aftermath of Dr. Candia-Bailey’s suicide has caused significant upheaval at Lincoln University. On January 12, 2024, Dr. Moseley was placed on administrative leave in response to widespread protests and demands for his removal by the university’s students. The school subsequently announced that a third-party investigation would take place, seeking to understand the circumstances surrounding Dr. Candia-Bailey’s death.
As the story develops, the nation awaits the outcome of the investigation and hopes for justice and accountability. Dr. Candia-Bailey’s tragic death has shed light on the challenges faced by black women in academia and serves as an urgent reminder of the need for reform and inclusivity in higher education institutions.
The incidents surrounding Dr. Candia-Bailey’s death have ignited a national conversation about the treatment of black women in academia. It is essential that her legacy is not forgotten and that her unfortunate passing catalyzes positive change within the educational system.
